Crown lengthening
Crown lengthening exposes more tooth structure so it can be rebuilt or crowned. When it is indicated and what doing it in time prevents.
What crown lengthening is
Crown lengthening is the surgical technique used to expose more of the tooth structure by removing soft periodontal tissue and, when needed, hard tissue as well. Put plainly: uncovering more healthy tooth so that it can be worked on.
When it is needed
It sometimes becomes essential in order to save a tooth. When the healthy part of the tooth is hidden below the gum â because of deep decay, a fracture or significant wear â the build-up or the crown has too little structure to hold on to. Crown lengthening exposes that structure and makes the restoration possible.
When planning it, it is important to take into account the physiological dimensions of the dentogingival junction, the space the gum needs around the tooth to stay healthy, especially when a prosthesis is going to be fitted afterwards.
What can happen if it is not done
Not using this technique when it is required can lead to other significant dental problems, such as chronic gingivitis â the gum does not cope well with a restoration that invades its space â or recurrent decay underneath the build-up.
Crown lengthening is part of our treatments in periodontics and periodontal surgery. If you have been advised to rebuild or crown a badly damaged tooth, book an appointment and we will assess whether it is needed in your case.
Frequently asked questions
What is crown lengthening for?
To expose more tooth surface when the clinical crown is too short: either because there is decay or a fracture below the gum line that cannot be restored, or for aesthetic reasons when too much gum shows when smiling.
Is it a complicated surgery?
It is minor gum surgery, with local anaesthesia and carried out in the practice itself. The gum is reshaped and, when needed, a little bone, and stitches are placed and removed a few days later. The discomfort afterwards is controlled with standard painkillers.
How long do you have to wait before fitting the crown?
A few weeks, until the gum heals and settles in its new position. Placing the crown too early is risky: the gum may still be maturing and the margin would end up poorly fitted.
How long does crown lengthening take to heal?
The gum closes within one or two weeks, but it needs a few more weeks to settle in its final position. That is why the definitive crown is not fitted straight away: if it is placed too soon, the margin can end up poorly fitted once the gum finishes maturing.
In which cases is crown lengthening surgery performed?
When decay or a fracture extends below the gum and there is not enough tooth left to restore; when the clinical crown is too short to hold a crown; and for aesthetic reasons, in what is known as a gummy smile, when too much gum shows when smiling.
Related articles
Periodontal disease: symptoms and gum treatment
Bleeding or receding gums and bad breath: how periodontal disease progresses, how it is diagnosed and which treatments stop it in âŠ
Dr Manuel DĂaz Cano ·
Questions and comments
Ask the specialist who reviews this page or leave us a comment. Everything is reviewed before it is published.
To write, first confirm your email: we will send you a code.
Content reviewed by Dr Nuria Gallegos Soler